A statue created by one of Britain’s leading sculptors was installed at New College in June to celebrate motoring company MG. The ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Chewe Munkonge, who officially unveiled the statue.
The statue, designed by Paul Day, commemorates 100 years since cars were first produced under the MG brand by Cecil Kimber at the Morris Garages on Longwall Street. Now part of New College, the original exterior of the garages remains, although the interior has since been converted into student accommodation. The statue sits just behind the original garage, a hugely significant setting. MG remained a fixture in Oxfordshire until 1980, operating out of a factory in Abingdon.
Two of MG’s most important vehicles are depicted in the artwork. The ‘Old Number One,’ MG’s first car purpose-built for motorsport, is shown with the K3 Magnette, a model which raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1930s.
A display honouring Cecil Kimber, Morris Garages, and its founder, William Morris, can also be found on Longwall Street. It shows original items from Morris’ office, as well as photos of how the building looked in its heyday.
Paul Day is well-known for works including The Meeting Place at London St Pancras International, and memorials for those who fought in the Battle of Britain and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, both of which are in Victoria, London. Day was pleased to be asked to design the statue, having fond memories of travelling through the country in MG vehicles in his youth.
MG is famed for producing record-breaking cars. In 1931, the MG EX120, known as the ‘Magic Midget,’ became the first car with a 750cc engine to top 100mph.
Following administration in 2005, MG’s ownership and manufacturing has since shifted to China.